Gareth Rhys Williams is new UK government chief commercial officer

The UK government has announced the appointment of Gareth Rhys Williams as its new chief commercial officer.

Rhys Williams, who was chief executive of PHS Group until December 2014, will now take responsibility for the government’s 4,000 commercial staff. He took up the new position on 14 March.

He said in a statement: “I am delighted to join the civil service at this exciting time. It’s ever more important to deliver value for money for the taxpayer, and I look forward to doing what I can to maximise the value derived from our commercial relationships and helping individual departments meet their goals in as efficient a way as possible.”

Rhys Williams was previously CEO at Charter International, Capital Safety and The Vitec Group. He replaces Bill Crothers, who stepped down from the post in November 2015.

John Manzoni, chief executive of the civil service, said: “Gareth brings an extraordinary amount of experience in the commercial sector, with a consistent and impressive record of delivery. He will play a pivotal role in making sure every deal provides value for the taxpayer.”

Meanwhile, MPs on the Education Select Committee have approved the appointment of Sally Collier, former chief executive of the Crown Commercial Service, as the new chief regulator of Ofqual. She was recommended for the post by education secretary Nicky Morgan earlier this month.